Multi-lane fruit guide assembly having integral ridge ends for a juice extractor and related methods

ABSTRACT

A fruit guide assembly may include a frame to be positioned between the fruit conveyor and the multi-position fruit feeder, a vibrator connected to the frame, and a fruit guide body having a series of alternating ridges and valleys therein defining a plurality of fruit lanes. Each pair of adjacent ridges may extend outwardly beyond an end of an intervening valley to define an opening to permit passage therethrough of a corresponding portion of the multi-position feeder. This defines integrally formed cantilevered ridge ends for supporting the fruit. In other embodiments, the fruit guide body may be used without a vibrator, for example. The fruit guide body may include an upper wall and a bottom wall spaced therefrom defining a hollow fruit guide body. For example, the fruit guide body may include rotationally molded polyethylene.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of juice extraction, and,more particularly, to fruit feeding for juice extraction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Citrus juice extraction on a commercial scale can be advantageouslyperformed with a juice extractor including upper and lower cups thatmove relative to one another along a reciprocal path of travel. Thesides of both the upper and lower cups typically comprise fingers thatsupport a fruit so that it can be squeezed without bursting. The fingersof the upper cup interdigitate or intermesh with those of the lower cup.

An orange or other fruit can be fed, for example, to the bottom cup by acam-operated feeding device. The upper and lower cups are then broughttogether so that the respective fingers of the cup intermesh and thefruit therebetween is accordingly squeezed. Sharp, typically circular,cutters are positioned in the top and bottom cups. As the cups moverelative to one another, the fruit is pressed against the cutters. Thecutters cut plugs from both the top and bottom portions of the fruit asthe interdigitating fingers of the two cups mesh together.

The cutting of the plug from the top portion of the fruit promotesseparation of the peel from the internal portions of the fruit (i.e.,juice and pulp). The plug cut from the lower portion of the fruit allowsthe internal portions of the fruit to be forced down into a strainertube positioned just below the lower cup cutter. The strainer tube, inturn, is positioned within a manifold.

Such whole fruit juice extraction is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S.Pat. Nos. 5,970,861; 5,992,311; 5,996,485; and 6,568,319, for example,the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety. Moreover, various fruit feeding arrangements have beendeveloped for juice extractors. For example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,040,864;3,367,473; 3,499,519; 4,309,944 and 4,343,393 disclose such fruitfeeding arrangements.

A typical fruit feeder includes a fruit guide assembly to guide fruitfrom a fruit conveyor to a multi-position fruit feeder for a fruit juiceextractor. For example, the fruit guide assembly may comprise a frame tobe positioned between the fruit conveyor and the multi-position fruitfeeder, a vibrator removably fastened to the underside of the frame, anda fruit guide body removably fastened to the top of the frame and havingan upper surface with alternating ridges and valleys therein defining aplurality of fruit lanes.

Unfortunately, access to the vibrator motor is relatively difficult withthis configuration. Also, the fruit guide body was supported at only itssides or flanges, thereby resulting in cracking at these areas. Atwo-piece solid plastic guide body and a one piece solid fiberglassguide body have been used in the past.

A typical fruit guide assembly also included deadheads adjacent thelower end of the fruit guide body and separate from the fruit guidebody. The spaces between the deadheads defined openings to permitpassage therethrough of the fingers of the multi-position feeder. Thesedeadheads were not coupled to the vibrator so that the fruit wouldremain more stable prior to pick-up. Unfortunately, the separatedeadheads added a level of mechanical complexity to the fruit guideassembly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In view of the foregoing background, it is therefore an object of thepresent invention to provide a fruit guide assembly that is efficient inconveying fruit, and that is simpler in construction and more durable inoperation.

This and other objects, features and advantages in accordance with thepresent invention are provided by a fruit guide assembly comprising aframe to be positioned between the fruit conveyor and the multi-positionfruit feeder, a vibrator connected to the frame, and a fruit guide bodyhaving a series of alternating ridges and valleys therein defining aplurality of fruit lanes, with each pair of adjacent ridges extendingoutwardly beyond an end of an intervening valley to define an opening topermit passage therethrough of a corresponding portion of themulti-position feeder. This defines integrally formed cantilevered ridgeends for supporting the fruit. Accordingly, the separate deadheads ofthe prior art are no longer needed resulting in a mechanically simpler,yet efficient and durable fruit guide assembly. In other embodiments,the fruit guide body may be used without a vibrator, for example.

The fruit guide body may comprise an upper wall and a bottom wall spacedtherefrom defining a hollow fruit guide body. The bottom wall may havestiffening features therein. In some advantageous embodiments, the fruitguide body may comprise a polymer. For example, the fruit guide body maycomprise rotationally molded polyethylene.

For increased durability, the fruit guide body may have a plurality offastener receiving passageways therein at side and medial positions. Arespective fastener may extend through each fastener receivingpassageway to fasten the fruit guide body to the frame at the side andmedial positions. This reduces stress on the sides as experienced bytypical prior art guide bodies.

For enhanced access, the fruit guide body may be removably fastened tothe frame to be removable therefrom in an upward direction. The vibratormay also be removably fastened to the frame to be removable therefrom inan upward direction. The frame may include a base plate having anopening in a medial portion thereof, and the vibrator may extend atleast partially through the opening in the base plate.

The frame may further comprise a pair of mounting ears connected toopposite sides of the base plate. A plurality of vibration dampeners andassociated fasteners may be connected to the pair of mounting ears. Inaddition, a mounting flange may be connected between the vibrator andthe base plate.

A method aspect of the invention is for making a fruit guide body for afruit guide assembly to guide fruit from a fruit conveyor to amulti-position fruit feeder for a fruit juice extractor. The method maycomprise forming the fruit guide body to have a series of alternatingridges and valleys therein defining a plurality of fruit lanes, and witheach pair of adjacent ridges extending outwardly beyond an end of anintervening valley to define an opening to permit passage therethroughof a corresponding portion of the multi-position feeder and to defineintegrally formed cantilevered ridge ends for supporting the fruit.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the detailed description of the invention whichfollows, when considered in light of the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a rear perspective view of the juice extractor of the presentinvention and showing in detail the integral electrical panels.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are overall schematic, perspective views of a juiceextraction process, showing three juice extractors in FIG. 3, eachhaving five individual juice extractor positions defined by juiceextractor units, each comprising a moveable and a fixed extractor cup, astrainer tube, extractor cup, and an orifice tube that is reciprocatedwithin each strainer tube.

FIG. 4 is a partial perspective and fragmentary view of a portion of ajuice extractor unit showing a moveable and a fixed extractor cup, astrainer tube, an orifice tube received within the strainer tube, a cupbridge, and a juice manifold.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a juice extractor of the presentinvention showing an improved exterior design with integral electricalpanels, ribbed covers, and the improved multi-lane feeder table formedas a hollow fruit guide body.

FIG. 6 is an enlarged rear perspective view of the juice extractorsimilar to FIG. 1, but looking from a different angle toward the rear ofthe extractor.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view similar to FIG. 6, but having the outercovers of the juice extractor removed and showing in detail theintegrated cup bridge and juice manifold supporting the fixed extractorcups, the moveable extractor cups mounted on a moveable cup beam, innerwall members that define a drive mechanism cavity, and the orifice beamwith its ends extending through a window opening into the drivemechanism cavity.

FIG. 8 is an exploded, perspective view of the fruit guide assembly ofthe present invention and showing an insertable hollow fruit guide bodyforming a feeder table and a top loading vibrator.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged perspective view of the hollow fruit guide body ofthe present invention.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the fruit guidebody showing fastener supports.

FIG. 11 is a bottom perspective view of the fruit guide body shown inFIG. 9 and showing structural supports as stiffening features.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation and partial fragmentary view of themulti-position fruit feeder of the present invention showing a driveshaft, a plurality of fruit feed members, the load sensitive coupler,and decoupling detector.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the fruit feeder and showing the use ofa proximity switch in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a fragmentary, partial perspective view of the camshaft forthe juice extractor and showing in detail the cup drive cams for themoveable extractor cups, the return cams, orifice beam drive cams, andcounterweights mounted on the camshaft.

FIG. 15 is another isometric and partial fragmentary view of thecamshaft of the present invention and showing the upper main and camfollower train used for the return cam.

FIG. 16 is a fragmentary, perspective view of a counterweight mounted onthe drive gear contained within the gearbox.

FIGS. 17 and 18 are sectional views showing a shaft-hub couplerfrictionally securing together the camshaft and hub of the cams, withFIG. 17 showing a countersunk flange, and FIG. 18 showing a flangeoutside the hub bore.

FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the integrated cup bridge and juicemanifold and showing juice outlets positioned at the side, and fluidoutlets formed on the top of the cup bridge for receivingpressure-actuated spray nozzles of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the integrated cup bridgeand juice manifold shown in FIG. 19, including a strainer tube supportcone mounted to aid in supporting strainer tubes.

FIG. 21 is a bottom perspective view of the integrated cup bridge andjuice manifold of FIG. 19.

FIG. 22 is a front elevation view of the integrated cup bridge and juicemanifold shown in FIG. 19, but with the added strainer tube supportcones.

FIG. 23 is a sectional view taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22.

FIG. 24 is a fragmentary, perspective view of the integrated cup bridgeand juice manifold of the present invention and showing the bottomloaded strainer tube and sealing assembly for sealing the strainer tubeto the juice manifold.

FIG. 25 is an enlarged, sectional view of the lower end of the strainertube shown in FIG. 24 and showing greater details of the sealingassembly between the strainer tube and juice manifold.

FIG. 26 is a perspective view of the orifice beam used in the presentinvention with ends adapted to extend through beam openings within innerside panels of the juice extractor.

FIG. 27 is a fragmentary, front elevation view of a portion of the juiceextractor showing basic components of the juice extractor, including theorifice beam mounted for movement with the extractor frame and taperedspray nozzles on the inner side panels, in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIGS. 28 and 29 are perspective views of the pressure actuated spraynozzle used in the present invention.

FIG. 30 is a fragmentary, sectional and perspective view of the spraynozzle shown in FIGS. 28 and 29.

FIG. 31 is a top plan view of the spray nozzle shown in FIGS. 28 and 29.

FIG. 32 is a sectional view of the spray nozzle taken along line 32-32of FIG. 31.

FIG. 33 is an enlarged, perspective view of a portion of the integratedcup bridge and juice manifold showing two pressure actuated spraynozzles of the present invention mounted thereon.

FIGS. 34 and 35 are perspective views of the nozzle body, i.e., thespray nozzle head shown in FIGS. 30 and 32.

FIGS. 36 and 37 are respective side and front elevation views of thenozzle body shown in FIGS. 34 and 35.

FIGS. 38 and 39 are perspective views of the lower portions of thenozzle body, i.e., the nozzle lower pintle shown in FIGS. 30 and 32.

FIG. 40 is a top plan view of the lower nozzle body section shown inFIGS. 38 and 39.

FIG. 41 is an elevation view of the lower nozzle body section shown inFIGS. 38 and 39.

FIGS. 42 and 43 are perspective views of the tubular housing thatreceives the nozzle body as shown in FIGS. 30 and 32.

FIG. 44 is a side elevation view of the tubular housing shown in FIGS.42 and 43.

FIG. 45 is a sectional view taken along line 45-45 of FIG. 44.

FIG. 46 is a partial sectional and perspective view of the tapered spraynozzle of the present invention adapted to be mounted flush on a wall ata fluid outlet within the juice extractor.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the spray nozzle head shown in FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the tapered spray nozzle of the presentinvention.

FIG. 49 is a sectional view of the tapered spray nozzle of the presentinvention showing basic components.

FIG. 50 is a top plan view of the spray nozzle head.

FIG. 51 is a sectional view of the nozzle fastening body shown in FIGS.46 and 49.

FIG. 52 is a front perspective view of the nozzle fastening body.

FIG. 53 is a perspective view of the nozzle retaining ring of thepresent invention shown in FIGS. 46 and 49 that secures the spray nozzlehead to the nozzle fastening body.

FIG. 54 is a sectional view of the nozzle retaining ring shown in FIG.53.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which preferred embodimentsof the invention are shown. This invention may, however, be embodied inmany different forms and should not be construed as limited to theembodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided sothat this disclosure will be thorough and complete, and will fullyconvey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. Likenumbers refer to like elements throughout, and prime notation is used toindicate similar elements in alternative embodiments.

The present invention provides many advantages over prior art juiceextractors, such as disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. Nos.2,649,730; 2,780,988; 3,717,084; 3,736,865; 4,300,449; 4,309,943;4,309,944; 4,376,409; 4,700,620; 4,905,586; 4,922,813; 5,339,729;5,483,870; 5,970,861; 5,992,311; 5,996,485; and 6,568,319, thedisclosures which are hereby incorporated by reference in theirentirety.

The present invention includes a new exterior design of the juiceextractor, including the exterior outer cover over the extractor frame.The enhanced design includes integrated electrical panels and ribbedouter covers as shown in FIG. 1 and explained in greater detail below.The overall juice extractor design has a slope formed by the outercovers on the extractor frame columns. The present invention alsoprovides a fruit guide assembly including a hollow fruit guide bodyforming a multi-lane feeder table, also known as a feed hopper, whichreceives fruit from the feed belt adjacent the extractor line anddelivers fruit to a multi-position fruit feeder. The present inventionfacilitates faster changing of the fruit guide body forming a feedertable, a feed hopper, and eliminates the requirement to remove thevibrator with the feeder table. In the present invention, the fruitguide body bolts to a separate support frame and is easily removable.The vibrator can be removable from the top as an additional service andsafety feature. The present invention also eliminates the deadheadpreviously used with a feeder table.

A multi-position fruit feeder of the present invention uses a proximityswitch to detect movement of a load sensitive coupler that incorporatesa shear pin. If the shear pin breaks, the load sensitive coupler nolonger rotates and the proximity sensor detects this change. This isadvantageous over other prior art juice extractors, which continuedrunning when foreign material jammed the fruit feeder, breaking theshear pin. The proximity sensor can be attached to a timer. When thejuice extractor is in operation, the sensor detects movement andproduces respective ON/OFF pulses. If, after a predetermined period oftime, the pulses are no longer detected, for example, when the shear pinis broken, the juice extractor will automatically shut down.

The juice extractor of the present invention also advantageouslyincorporates a return cam, typically formed as a mathematical conjugateof the extractor cup drive cam to hold the cam followers to the cam andlift the cup support member, i.e., cup beam, during the juice extractioncycle. A counterweight can be mounted to the main drive gear locatedwithin the gearbox, or mounted on the camshaft that supports the drivecam and return cam. The counterweight provides balance to the machineduring extractor operation.

The juice extractor of the present invention also has inner side panelsthat define a medial product material area, i.e., a juice and peel area,where the fixed and moveable extractor cups are located, and opposingdrive mechanism cavities located between the inner side panels and outercovers of the extractor frame. Peel, of course, includes pulp, seeds,membranes, and core materials. Drive linkages such as a pull-rodassembly, are positioned in each drive mechanism cavity and operativelyconnect the orifice beam with the orifice beam drive cam mounted on thecamshaft. A tapered water spray nozzle of the present invention can bemounted flush on the inner side panels to spray cleaning fluid to aid incleaning. To enhance cleaning of the juice extractor, the presentinvention includes a cup bridge formed integral with the juice manifold.Juice piping extends from the juice outlet at the side and exit throughthe side of the juice extractor, thus eliminating a current pipingarrangement where “bullhorn” pipes extend out the front or rear andallow debris build-up. The integrated cup bridge and juice manifoldtypically has juice outlets at the side juxtaposed to the inner wallpanels, which allows the juice piping to exit the sides.

The strainer tube is preferably bottom loaded, and includes an improvedsealing assembly between the juice manifold and strainer tube. Thecamshafts are now preferably held by friction on the camshaft through anappropriate cup-drive, shaft-coupler frictionally securing the camshaftin the cam hub. Alignment of the cams can be arranged by positioning analignment rod through holes placed in the cams during assembly.

The integrated cup bridge and juice manifold includes a number ofpressure actuated spray nozzles, i.e., also referred to as pop-upnozzles, mounted on the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold (FIGS.28-45). These pop-up nozzles can be used for both oil recovery andcleaning. In the present invention, the ends of the orifice beam extendthrough each inner wall or “side” panel into the drive mechanism cavitywhere the orifice beam drive mechanism is located. This penetrationthrough the inner wall panels is protected by a moving “window” betweenthe ends of the orifice beam and the side wall panel and formed as apreferred labyrinth seal.

It is clear that the present invention provides numerous advantages overthe prior art juice extractors as will be explained in greater detailbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings.

For purposes of facilitating operation of the juice extractor of thepresent invention, a general description of the overall juice extractionprocess from fruit unloading to final processing and waste handling isdescribed with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3. FIG. 4 is an environmental,partial isometric and sectional view of a portion of a single juiceextractor unit, which would be positioned in a respective juiceextractor machine 40 shows in FIG. 3 and forming respective juiceextractor positions where fruit is compressed and juice extracted. Thedescription will proceed by first describing an overall flow of citrusfruit, followed by an explanation of various component parts of a juiceextractor unit relative to the overall juice extractor machine, thusgiving a general working background of juice extractor principles usedin the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 2, fruit F can be unloaded by manual, hydraulic, ortruck unloading. For example, fruit can be unloaded manually by workershandling many field boxes or cartons, which can be set on a dump ledge20 for unloading into a hopper 22. Additionally, citrus fruit could bedumped into the hopper 22 by means of an automatic hydraulic dump 23. Alarge load carrying citrus fruit F, such as oranges, could also arriveby truck, which would dump the fruit into the hopper 22, which includesa vertical conveyor belt 24 that carries fruit F on the necessaryconveyors to a brush washer 26. Typically, the conveyor belt 24 hasabout three inch cleats to elevate fruit to the brush washer 26, asknown to those skilled in the art. As the fruit is unloaded, the fruitenters a washer and passes under spray nozzles 28, where fruit cleanerscan be applied.

The fruit, as it is washed, passes over a series of brushes in the brushwasher 26, where the fruit is gently scrubbed to remove field oils,soil, mold and dust. The brush washer 26 discharges the fruit onto aroller grader 30 where workers can easily select the fruit. Typically,the roller grader 30 is formed such that workers can stand on eitherside and remove any broken pieces, leaves and other undesirablematerials from the flow of fruit supply. It is at this point that someforeign material can still pass through the roller grader. Foreignmaterial, such as milkweed pods, is one example that workers often miss.These milkweed pods are indigenous to citrus growing areas and can causeproblems during the juice extraction process. The juice extractor ispreferably designed to shut down when the orifice tube becomes lodgedwithin the strainer tube, such as by foreign material, and it allows thejuice extractor to shut down operation if a milkweed pod or othersimilar foreign material becomes stuck in the orifice tube.

The fruit discharges from the roller grader into a cleated belt conveyor32 that elevates the fruit typically by three inch cleats to the tiltedfeed belt conveyor 34, as shown in FIG. 3. If two or more juiceextractors are placed in tandem as illustrated, a sizing roller 36provides a single, continuously rotating roller on the tilted feed beltconveyor 34 to separate the fruit into sizes equivalent to the sizerange of the moveable and fixed extractor cups to ensure maximum yieldand quality. For example, as illustrated with the three juice extractors40, one juice extractor can be used for one range of fruit size, and theother two juice extractors can be used for respective two other rangesof fruit sizes.

As shown in FIG. 3, each juice extractor 40 includes individual juiceextractor units 50 (illustrated as five units) that are ganged togetherin a common extractor frame 52 forming a juice extractor machine 40. Thejuice extractor unit 50 defines respective juice extractor positionswhere an individual fruit is received on a fixed extractor cup andcompressed or squeezed by a respective moveable extractor cup. The fixedand moveable extractor cups can be horizontally aligned or alignedvertically as explained with reference to the drawings. With verticallyaligned extractor cups as illustrated, the fixed extractor cup istypically a lower extractor cup and the moveable extractor cup istypically an upper extractor cup.

The fruit is moved to the feed hoppers 46, i.e., multi-lane feeder table46 of the juice extractors 40 by a feed belt conveyor 34 that isdesigned at an angle of about 18° with the low side adjacent to thefeeder table 46. The feeder table 46 is formed as a fruit guide assemblythat guides fruit from the fruit conveyor to a multi-position fruitfeeder as will be explained in detail below. Any fruit that passes bythe feeder table is recirculated through a fruit handling system by areturn fruit conveyor 48. This fruit could be transferred back to thefruit handling system prior to washing.

The fruit enters the juice extractor feed table 46 and is fed into thefixed, e.g., lower extractor cup 54 by fruit flipper fingers (not shown)operable as part of the multi-position fruit feeder. As will beexplained later in detail, the fruit is separated into three primaryproduct streams, a pulpy juice, the peel, and the fruit material thatenters an orifice tube 56 (FIG. 4). The waste peel is directed onto apeel screw 58 located under the juice extractor platform 60 and isdischarged into a discharge hopper 62 or other waste disposal container,or it can be conveyed through an exterior wall to a truck or trailer, orto further processing.

Typically, the juice extractors 40 are supported on an elevated platform60 not only to provide support for the juice extractors, but also toprovide access for mechanical operation and maintenance. The juice fromthe various juice extractors 40 enters a stainless steel dischargeheader 64 extending from each juice extractor and is gravity fed into asurge tank 66 that is designed to maintain a constant flow of juice,preferably to an optional finisher 68. The finisher further removes pulpfrom the juice by using stainless steel screens with small perforations.A finisher 68 typically is used when a number of juice extractors areplaced in tandem, as illustrated.

The juice can be pumped from the surge tank 66 or finisher 68. The juiceextraction process shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 is illustrative of a smalljuice extraction facility. Larger juice extraction facilities aresimilar in process, but are larger in scale and may include additionalequipment known to those skilled in the art. Additional equipment (notshown) may include bucket elevators for lifting and conveying fruit;fruit storage bins for temporary storage of unloaded fruit; sizingequipment for sorting fruit based on size; byproduct recovery systemssuch as pulpwash systems, and oil recovery systems; feedmills for dryingof peel waste; and pasteurizers and evaporators for the processing ofjuice. These and other equipment are known to those skilled in the art.

Referring to FIG. 4, a portion of a basic juice extractor unit 50defining a juice extracting position of a juice extractor isillustrated. A moveable extractor cup 80 is mounted on a common crossbar, i.e., a cup support member, also referred to as the cup beam 82 inthe illustrated embodiment. The cup beam 82 interconnects other moveableextractor cups as shown in FIG. 3. The cup beam 82 reciprocates by a camdrive (not shown) contained in an upper portion of a juice extractor inthis non-limiting embodiment. The fixed extractor cups 54, e.g., lowerextractor cups in the illustrated embodiment, are rigidly positionedrelative to the extractor frame 52 and mounted on a cup bridge 57. Themoveable and fixed extractor cups 80,54 are formed as interdigitatedextractor cups that have fingers 84 that intermesh together when themoveable extractor cup 80 engages fixed extractor cup 54.

The moveable and fixed extractor cups 80,54 and their associatedcomponents, such as the prefinisher strainer tube 86, the orifice tube56, and associated cup bridge 57, form one juice extractor unit 50. Asillustrated in FIG. 3, a number of juice extractor units are gangedtogether in one juice extractor machine 40 to increase production. Theillustrated juice extractor machine 40 includes five juice extractorunits 50 positioned at respective juice extracting positions. The fruitfeeder, which will be explained in greater detail below, also can workas a cam-operated device, and includes feeding fingers (not shown inthis figure), which deposit a single fruit in the fixed extractor cup54, such as by tossing the fruit into the extractor cup after receivingthe fruit from the feeder table formed as a fruit guide assembly.

The cam-operated drive system in the upper part of the juice extractorforces the moveable extractor cup 80 into the fixed extractor cup and asthis occurs, the fruit F is pressed against a circular cutter 90 locatedat the top of the prefinishing strainer tube 86. This cutter 90 cuts aplug in the bottom of the fruit to allow the internal portions of thefruit access to the strainer tube 86. Another cutter 92 also cuts a plugin the top of the fruit to permit separation of the peel from theinternal portions of the fruit, such as the pulp. As the fingers 84 ofthe extractor cups 54,80 interdigitate or mesh together, the innerportion of the fruit, such as the pulpy juice, is forced down into thestrainer tube 86 contained within the juice manifold 94. The peelsurfaces do not contact the juice and any contamination by theextractives in the peel is minimized. The peel falls away outside thejuice manifold 94 and can be collected by the peel screw conveyor 58under the extractor platform 60 and discharged into the hopper 62 orother waste disposal container and conveyed through an exterior wall toa truck or trailer or to further processing.

The continuing stroke of the moveable extractor cup 80 and the presenceof a restrictor, for example, in the form of blockages, force thejuice-bearing portion of the fruit through the perforated wall of thestrainer tube. This perforated wall is formed by small strainer tubeholes 98, which allow discharge of juice into the juice manifold 94.

Back pressure is preferably applied into the orifice tube, for example,by a hydraulic device as described in the incorporated by reference U.S.Pat. No. 5,992,311 patent or by limiting the size of the size of therestrictor. The orifice tube reciprocates within the strainer tube tocompress any entrapped fruit particles and force any remaining juicethrough the perforated wall of the strainer tube. Core material, such assection membrane and seeds, are ejected typically from the lower portionof the orifice tube during reciprocating movement of that tube. Thiscycle of extraction is then complete.

Additionally, the amount of juice yield and the type of juice can bevaried by using different strainer tubes with different size holes 98.Additionally, the back pressure can be changed to vary the juice yieldand type of juice. Peel oil, such as liberated by the shredding actionof the moveable and fixed cups' fingers, typically can be washed bywater sprays around the extraction cups.

Referring now to FIGS. 1, 5, 6 and 7, there are illustrated differentviews of the juice extractor 100 of the present invention, including arespective front perspective view (FIG. 5), a rear perspective view froma first angle (FIG. 1), an enlarged rear perspective view from a secondangle (FIG. 6), and a rear perspective view with outer covers removed(FIG. 7). The juice extractor 100 has an outer wall surface formed byouter covers 101, which are secured over the extractor frame 102 (FIG.7). The outer covers 101 are configured to form a new shape of the juiceextractor in the side areas and include integrated electrical panels 104as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6. Ribbed covers 106 and a top slope 108 formedby the outer covers make an aesthetic and ornamental design.

The front perspective view of FIG. 5 shows a fruit guide assembly of thepresent invention forming a multi-lane feeder table 110 with anintegrated deadhead. This fruit guide assembly 110 as a feeder table isformed as a hollow fruit guide body and is explained in greater detailbelow with reference to FIGS. 8-11. The feeder table 110 feeds fruitinto a fruit feeder (not shown in detail) having fruit flipper fingersthat convey fruit into the fixed extractor cups 54 shown in thenon-limiting example as lower extractor cups. Details of the fruitfeeder are described below relative to FIGS. 12 and 13. The fruit feederis driven by a feeder drive mechanism, indicated generally at 112, whichextends from a camshaft located in the upper portion of the juiceextractor 100 and connects to the drive (or finger) shaft as will beexplained in greater detail below. The improved design of thisillustrated juice extractor 100 no longer has an external electricalbox, air hose and protruding housing members.

As illustrated, only a few inlet and outlet fluid pipes are required forfluid intake and discharge, such as water or a cleaning fluid or juiceexiting the juice manifold. A cycle of cleaning water can be flushedthrough the juice extractor, and its timing controlled by the controlcircuitry 114 shown in FIG. 2. The sloped discharge surface 116 shown inFIG. 5 and positioned under the feeder table 110 extends from anintegrated cup bridge and juice manifold (not shown in detail in thisfigure) and allows misfed fruit to return. Greater details of theintegrated cup bridge and juice manifold of the present invention areexplained in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 19-24.

FIG. 5 illustrates an electrical drive motor 118 supported by theextractor frame 102 and outside the outer cover 101. The drive motor 118is enclosed within a protective steel mesh enclosure frame 120. Thedrive motor output shaft (not shown) connects to a large drive gear 122,which is connected by a gear train to an extractor frame mountedcamshaft to be explained in greater detail below with reference to FIGS.14-16.

FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view of the juice extractor 100 of thepresent invention with outer covers 101 removed and showing many of theimprovements of the present invention, including the drive mechanism 128for driving moveable extractor cups 80. The drive mechanism 128 ismounted in a top section of the extractor and includes a camshaft 130that supports orifice beam drive cams 132 on the outer ends of thecamshaft, but within the confines of the extractor frame 102. The fixedextractor cups 54 are supported on an integrated cup bridge and juicemanifold 134 and receive the moveable extractor cups 80 supported on thecup beam or other moveable cup support member 82 and reciprocated intoengagement with the fixed extractor cups. Two drive cams 136 each engagea cam follower (not shown) for driving the cup beam 82, allowing themoveable, e.g., upper extractor cups 80, to engage the fixed, e.g.,lower extractor cups 54 supported by the integrated cup bridge and juicemanifold 134 of the present invention. A return cam is not shown in thisfigure, but is explained relative to FIGS. 14 and 15, and is used forreturning the cup beam into a disengaged (e.g., raised) position, thusdisengaging the moveable extractor cups 80 from the fixed extractor cups59. It should be understood, however, that the extractor cups can bearranged horizontally or in another orientation besides a verticallyopposed relationship.

An orifice beam 140 supports the orifice tubes 56, which are receivedwithin respective strainer tubes 86. The orifice beam 140 reciprocates,moving the orifice tubes 56 within the strainer tubes 86, which aresupported by the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold 134. As shownin FIG. 7, at least one outer end 140 a of the orifice beam 140 extendsthrough an inner side panel 142 into a drive mechanism cavity 144 formedbetween the inner side panel 142 and an outer cover 101 over theextractor frame 102 of the juice extractor 100. In a preferredembodiment, two opposing inner side panels 142 define a medial productmaterial area 143, i.e., a “juice and peel” area where extractor cupsare located. Opposing drive mechanism cavities are defined at eitherside of the juice extractor.

An appropriate drive mechanism, for example, a pull rod assembly orother drive assembly, is positioned within each drive mechanism cavity144 and connected between the orifice beam end 144 a and a cam followermechanism that engages the orifice beam drive cam 132, shown in greaterdetail in FIGS. 14, 16 and 27. As the driven camshaft 130 rotates, theorifice beam drive cam 132 rotates, presses against a cam followermechanism and associated pull-rod assembly or other drive assembly, andforces downward the orifice beam 140. A return spring mechanism (notshown) pulls upward on the orifice beam 140 through its pull-rodassembly, returning the orifice beam 140 to its initial position andforcing the orifice tube into the strainer tube for the juice extractionprocess.

To aid in cleanability of the juice extractor of the present invention,the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold 134 has its juice outletsjuxtaposed at the inner side panels 142. Juice piping 150 connects tothe juice outlets and extends out the side of the juice extractor asillustrated in FIGS. 7 and 27. The integrated cup bridge and juicemanifold 134 are explained in greater detail relative to FIGS. 19-23.

The ends 140 a of the orifice beam 140 are moveable within an accesswindow 152 formed as window openings, i.e., a slot, in the inner sidepanels 142. A seal, and preferably a labyrinth seal 154, is positionedat the orifice beam end 140 a and inner side panel 142 to form a moving“window.” The seal 154 prevents debris from passing from the productmaterial, i.e.,“juice and peel” area 143 within the juice extractor 100and into the drive mechanism cavity 144.

Any small amount of debris that passes through this seal 154 can bewashed from the drive mechanism cavity 144 by one or more spray nozzlesof the present invention that are positioned in the juice extractor, onside walls, including the inner side panel, and even in the drivemechanism cavity, which is explained in greater detail relative to FIG.27 and FIGS. 46-54. Fluid that is sprayed into the juice extractorproduct material area 143 and even the drive mechanism cavity 144 candrain back toward the interior sections of the juice extractor machine,which is self-draining. Cleaning fluid and recycle fluid used for oilrecovery can be discharged through appropriate fluid delivery conduits.

FIG. 8 shows an exploded isometric view of the insertable multi-lanefeeder table 110, or fruit guide assembly as it is also referred, andthe top loading vibrator of the present invention. Throughout thisdescription, the term feeder table can be used interchangeably for fruitguide assembly when describing the present invention.

Referring now to FIGS. 8-11, the fruit guide assembly 110 of the presentinvention forms a feeder table and guides fruit from the fruit conveyor34, such as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, to a multi-position fruit feederexplained in greater detail relative to the description of FIGS. 12 and13. The fruit guide assembly 110 includes a frame 158 that is positionedbetween the fruit conveyor 34 and the multi-positioned fruit feeder. Avibrator 160 is connected to the frame 150. The fruit guide assemblyincludes a hollow fruit guide body 162 that includes a bottom wall 164and an upper wall 166 spaced therefrom. The upper wall 166 has a seriesof alternating ridges 168 and valleys 170 that define a plurality offruit lanes 172. Each pair of adjacent ridges 168 extend outwardlybeyond an end of an intervening valley 170 to define an opening 174 topermit passage therethrough of a corresponding portion of themulti-positioned fruit feeder and to define integrally formedcantilevered ridge ends 176 for supporting the fruit. Thus, it isevident that the present invention eliminates the deadhead that had beena separate part of a feeder table of prior art juice extractors in whicha vibrator or other assembly vibrated a table, while the deadheadremained “static” or “dead” to slow vibration and enhance fruit feedinginto fixed extractor cups 54.

This hollow fruit guide body 162 has a plurality of fastener receivingpassageways 178 at both side and medial positions. A respective fastener180 extends through each fastener receiving passageway 178 and fastensthe hollow fruit guide body 162 to the frame 158 at the side and medialportions of the body 162. The fruit guide body 162 is removably fastenedto the frame 158 and removable therefrom in an upward direction. Thevibrator 160 is removably fastened to the frame to be removable in anupward direction.

In one aspect of the present invention, the frame 158 includes a baseplate 182 and having an opening 184 in a medial portion. The vibratorextends at least partially through the opening 184 in the base plate 182and is secured to a vibrator mounting plate 186 that secures to the baseplate 182 over the opening 184. A pair of mounting ears 188 are formedat opposite sides of the base plate 182. A pair of brackets 190 aremounted to the frame 52 of the fruit juice extractor 100. A plurality ofvibration dampeners 192 and associated fasteners 194 connect the pair ofbrackets 190 to the pair of mounting ears 188. The mounting plate 186acts as a flange and is connected between the vibrator 160 and the baseplate 182.

The hollow fruit guide body 162 preferably is formed from a polymer,such as rotationally molded polyethylene, but other plastic materialscan be used as suggested by those skilled in the art. The bottom wall,as shown in FIG. 11, has stiffening features 196 adding strength to thestructure, which can be formed during the molding process.

It is evident that the present invention now provides a feeder table,i.e., formed as a fruit guide assembly 110, which not only includes aneasily removable fruit guide body, but also includes an easily removablevibrator 160, which saves on maintenance time and costs throughout theoperational life of the juice extractor.

The present invention also provides a multi-position fruit feeder thatuses a proximity switch, in one non-limiting example, to detect movementof a load sensitive coupler having a shear pin that is broken when thefruit feeder is jammed or a similar problem occurs. If the shear pinbreaks, the load sensitive coupler no longer rotates, and a proximitysensor, for example, detects this change. A processor, for example, aprogrammable logic controller (PLC) or other mechanism, canautomatically stop the juice extractor when the lack of rotation isdetected. This is advantageous over prior art juice extractors, whichcontinued running when foreign material jammed a fruit feeder, breakingthe shear pin. In one aspect of the present invention, the proximitysensor can be attached to a timer. When the juice extractor is inoperation, the proximity sensor detects movement and produces respectiveon/off pulses. If, after a predetermined period of time, the pulses areno longer detected, for example, when a shear pin is broken and rotationstopped, the juice extractor automatically shuts-down.

FIGS. 12 and 13 illustrate the improved fruit feeder 200 for feedingfruit into the juice extracting positions defined by each juiceextractor unit 50 and defined by the fixed and moveable extractor cups54,80. The fruit feeder 200 includes a proximity drive shaft 202 and aplurality of fruit feed members 204, for example, formed as fruit feedfingers for feeding fruit to the juice extracting positions 50 basedupon rotation of the drive shaft 202. A load sensitive coupler 206couples a drive motor, for example, the electric drive motor 118 via thefeeder mechanism drive 112, to the drive shaft 202 during normaloperation, and decouples the drive motor from the drive shaft 202 whenthe fruit feed members 204 become jammed. A decoupling detector 208detects decoupling of the load sensitive coupler 206. In the embodimentshown in FIGS. 12 and 13, the drive motor could be the primary juiceextractor drive motor 118 with a transmission linkage or other drivemechanism 112 that interconnects the drive shaft 202 and the electricmotor 118 supported by extractor frame 52 and outside the juiceextractor outer covers as shown in FIG. 5.

A drive hub 210 is rotatably carried by the drive shaft 202 andoperatively connected to the drive motor 118. A fixed hub 212 is securedto the drive shaft adjacent the rotatable drive hub 210. A shear pin 214extends between the rotatable drive hub 210 and the fixed hub 212 tocouple the rotatable drive hub 210 and the fixed hub 212 together duringnormal operation, and to shear and decouple the rotatable drive hub 210from the fixed hub 212 when the fruit feed members 204 become jammed.This decoupling detector 208, in one aspect of the present invention, ispreferably a proximity sensor. Also, at least one proximity sensortrigger 216 is rotatably carried by the drive shaft 202. When theproximity sensor is positioned adjacent a path of the at least oneproximity sensor trigger 216, a pulse is preferably generated. Forexample, the proximity sensor trigger could be at least one ferrousfastener, for example, screws that act as the trigger. These screwscould be carried by the rotatable drive hub 210. The proximity sensorcan also be connected to a timer. When the juice extractor is running,the proximity sensor detects the movement of the trigger and produceson/off pulses. If, after a predefined period of time, the pulses are nolonger detected, the juice extractor will automatically shut down viathe controller.

In one aspect of the present invention, a fruit feed member 204 includesat least one finger shaft 220 and a plurality of fruit flipper fingers222 carried by the finger shaft. In a preferred aspect of the presentinvention, three equally spaced finger shafts 220 are used. The centraldrive shaft 202 is driven, turning a cam assembly (not shown) inside thehub, which rotates, and the three shafts 220 rotate around the centerdrive shaft 202, moving the fruit flipper fingers 222 for lifting thefruit and feeding or “tossing” the fruit into a fixed extractor cup 54.

In yet another aspect of the present invention, a decoupling detectoroperates an indicator based upon the detection of decoupling. In oneaspect of the present invention, it could include at least one magneticsensor, an optical sensor, an electrical field sensor, an ultrasonicsensor or an infrared sensor, as non-limiting examples.

The juice extractor of the present invention also advantageously uses areturn cam, typically formed as a mathematical conjugate of theextractor cup drive cam, i.e., cup cam, to hold cam followers to thecams and lift the cup support member, i.e., cup beam, during the juiceextraction cycle. This overcomes the disadvantage of having to increasethe spring force necessary to hold cam followers tightly to the drivecam or use higher air pressure to prevent “knocking” of the camscorresponding to the separation of any cam from its follower.

FIGS. 14 and 15 are isometric views of the drive mechanism 128 thatengages the moveable extractor cups 80, such as through the moveable cupbeam or other moveable cup support member 230, and drives the moveableextractor cups 80 into engagement with the fixed extractor cups 54. Thisdrive mechanism 128 includes the camshaft 130 supporting the drive cam136 for driving the moveable extractor cup 80 into engagement with thefixed extractor cup 54 and a return cam 232 for disengaging the moveableextractor cup 80 using a cam follower train 234 operatively connected tothe return cam 232 for raising the cup beam 230 and disengaging themoveable extractor cup 80 (FIG. 15).

As illustrated, the camshaft 130 supports two drive cams 136 and tworeturn cams 232 that are spaced from each other, and imparts a drivingforce onto the respective cup beam 230 and cam follower train 234, whichoperate at appropriate timed intervals as the camshaft is rotated. Thecam follower train 234 includes appropriate support frame members 236that are secured to the extractor frame 52 and guide rods 238. A camfollower mechanism 240 is slidable on the guide rods 238 and secured tothe cup beam 230 or other cup support member. The return cam drivesupward the cam follower mechanism 240 on the guide rods 238, thuspulling upward the cup beam 230.

As illustrated, two orifice beam drive cams 132 are located on outerends of the camshaft 130 within the extractor frame and each connect toa cam follower and drive linkage that extends into the drive mechanismcavity 144 and attach to an end 140 a of the orifice beam 140. Theorifice beam drive cams 132 push the orifice beam downward via the camfollower and drive linkage, which is, in turn, pulled upward by a springmechanism (not shown), allowing reciprocating movement of the orificebeam and the orifice tube within the strainer tube.

In one preferred aspect of the present invention, the return cam 232 isformed as a mathematical conjugate of the drive cam 136. The drive cam136 and return cam 232, however, can be formed integral as two camsurfaces on a single body, or each can be formed as a single cam body asshown in the non-limiting example of FIG. 14.

To provide balance to the juice extractor machine during extractoroperations, a counterweight is added to balance the offset nature of thecamshaft. In the embodiments shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, twocounterweights 250 are secured to the central portion of the camshaft130 and offset the concentric rotation of the cams, which causesvibration of the juice extractor during extractor operation. In anotherembodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 16, a counterweight252 is added to the main drive gear 122, which could be positioned in agearbox. FIG. 16 shows the main drive gear 122 that is connected to thecamshaft 130, and also the orifice beam drive cam 132 and a portion ofthe cam follower and drive linkage 254 that connects to a return springand a drive linkage mechanism contained in the drive mechanism cavity144 for reciprocating the orifice beam as the camshaft is rotated. It isevident, then, in accordance with the present invention, thecounterweight can be mounted directly on the camshaft, for example, asthe illustrated two counterweight members 250 mounted on a medialsection of the camshaft, or mounted as a separate counterweight 252 onthe large gear in the gearbox. Alternatively, both counterweights 250,252 could be used depending on the particular design choice of oneskilled in the art.

In accordance with the present invention, the various cams 132, 136 and232 can be mounted to the camshaft 130 using a cup-drive, shaft-hubcoupler 260 that frictionally secures the camshaft 130 with the cam hub262 as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18. Non-limiting examples of the coupler260 that can be used in the present invention include locking assembliessold under the designation Ringfeder®, RfN 7013.1, which could be hubmounted with a countersunk flange as shown in FIG. 17, or with a lockingassembly flange outside the hub bore, as shown in FIG. 18.

As illustrated, the camshaft 130 and the cam hub 262 of either the drivecam 136, return cam 232 or orifice beam drive cam 132, are cylindricallyshaped and devoid of keying. The coupler 260 preferably includes innerand outer rings 264, 266 having respective tapered overlapping surfaces268, 270 and at least one fastener 272 such as the illustrated bolt forurging the inner and outer rings 264, 266 axially together. A flange canbe connected to the inner ring to aid in preventing lateral movement ofdifferent members.

Each cam preferably includes at least one alignment feature 278 forfacilitating relative alignment. This alignment feature could be anopening formed in each of the cams to permit an alignment rod to beinserted through the openings when the cams are relatively alignedproperly to each other.

The juice extractor of the present invention also includes theintegrated cup bridge and juice manifold 134 as shown in FIGS. 19-24.Juice piping extends from the opposing juice outlets positioned at theinner side panels and exits through the side of the juice extractor atthe outer covers, thus eliminating the prior art piping arrangementwhere “bullhorn” pipes extended out the front and were prone to build-upof debris. As will also be explained below in greater detail, thestrainer tube 86 is preferably bottom loaded, and includes an improvedsealing assembly between the juice manifold and strainer tube. Theintegrated cup bridge and juice manifold 134 also includes a number ofpressure actuated spray nozzles, i.e., pop-up nozzles, positioned on theintegrated cup bridge and juice manifold 134. These pop-up nozzles canbe used for both oil recovery and extractor cleaning as will beexplained in greater detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 19-24, greater details of the integrated cupbridge and juice manifold 134 of the present invention are illustrated.The integrated cup bridge and juice manifold 134 includes a front slopedwall 280 to permit product material to flow away from the structureduring extractor operation. The integrated cup bridge and juice manifold134 is preferably formed as a fabricated assembly that includes aweldment and associated construction forming an integrated juicemanifold 281 within the assembly, as shown in greater details in FIGS.20, 23 and 24. The integrated cup bridge and juice manifold 134 includesa rear wall 282, the front sloped wall 280, side end walls 284, and thebottom wall as a weldment 286. Fixed extractor cup positions 288 aredefined by extractor cup mounts 290 that are substantially cylindricallyformed and include a top flange 292 and mounting ridge 294 on whichstrainer tube support cones 296 are received.

As illustrated in FIG. 7 and described before, the integrated cup bridgeand juice manifold 134 is mounted within the extractor frame between theinner side panels 142, and includes juice outlets 298 juxtaposed to theinner side panels, such that the juice outlets are removed from theproduct material 143, i.e., “juice and peel” area, to prevent build-upof peel and related byproducts. Build-up of byproducts was typical whenjuice outlets and the associated piping exited the juice extractor, forexample out the front or rear, as “bullhorn” piping. As illustrated, theintegrated cup bridge and juice manifold 134 extends transversely acrossthe extractor frame 52 between the opposing inner side panels 142.

As shown in FIGS. 19-21, 23 and 24, the integrated cup bridge and juicemanifold 134 includes at least one fluid delivery conduit extendingalong an upper portion of the structure where the rear wall 282 andfront sloped wall 280 intersect. In the illustrated preferred embodimentshown in FIGS. 19-20, and 23-24, first and second fluid deliveryconduits 300, 302, are formed by a L-bracket 304 and a medial insertwall 306 to define the first and second fluid delivery conduits 300,302. Each conduit 300, 302 has a first fluid inlet 308 in a side endwall 284 to be connected to a source of pressurized fluid and at least afirst fluid outlet 310 positioned on an outer surface of the integratedcup bridge and juice manifold 134, and more particularly, on the frontsloped wall 280 for discharging fluid such as recycle fluid, for oilrecovery during extractor operation. The second fluid delivery conduit302 has a second fluid inlet 312 to be connected to a source ofpressurized fluid, and at least a second fluid outlet 314 positioned onan outer surface of the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold 134,and preferably on the front sloped wall 280 for discharging fluid forcleaning.

It should be understood, however, that the cleaning fluid and the oilrecovery fluid can be switched to the other respective conduit. At eachfluid outlet 310, 314, a pressure-actuated spray nozzle, formed as apop-up spray nozzle, is positioned. This nozzle is explained later withreference to FIGS. 28-49. As illustrated in FIG. 19, a fluid outlet 310,314 is positioned adjacent each of the fixed extractor cup positions288. In the illustrated embodiment, there are five fixed extractor cuppositions 288, and six fluid outlets 310, 314 for each of the first andsecond fluid outlets for allowing adequate fluid spray during recoveryor cleaning. At each fixed extractor cup position 288, opposed extractorcup fastener supports 320 are secured and permit the fixed extractorcups to be mounted and secured on the cup bridge by appropriatefasteners, as shown in FIG. 24.

As illustrated in FIGS. 24 and 25, the strainer tube 86 mounts throughthe bottom of the juice manifold 281. A sealing assembly 320 seals thestrainer tube 86 relative to the juice manifold 281. In the illustratedand non-limiting embodiment shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the sealingassembly 220 includes a threaded collar 322 positioned on an insidesurface of the juice manifold through which the strainer tube 86 isreceived. A threaded insert 324 is received over an end of the strainertube and received within the threaded collar 322 on an outside surfaceof the juice manifold 281. A gasket 326 is positioned between thethreaded collar 322 and strainer tube 86 and is compressed as thethreaded insert 324 is tightened within the threaded collar 322. Thegasket 326 and inside surface of the threaded collar 322 include abeveled surface. A shoulder 328 is also formed on the strainer tube inwhich the gasket 326 and threaded insert 324 engage. A snap ring 330 canbe positioned at an end of the strainer tube and maintain the threadedinsert 324 on the strainer tube. A ring gasket 332 is preferablypositioned between the threaded collar 322 and an inside surface of thejuice manifold 281 and is compressed as the threaded insert 324tightened within the threaded collar 322.

It should be understood that the threaded collar 322 could potentiallybe part of the juice manifold. A beveled surface and-an internal threadcould be machined directly into the juice manifold, eliminating the needfor a threaded collar. The threaded insert could potentially be part ofthe strainer tube and could be machined directly onto the surface of thestrainer tube, eliminating the requirements for a threaded insert.

Referring now to FIGS. 26 and 27, greater details of the orifice beam140 (FIG. 26). The inner side panels 142, and position of components(FIG. 27) are illustrated. As explained before, the orifice beam 140supports the orifice tubes 56. The orifice beam 140 includes ends 140 athat extend through the window openings 152 to engage the drivemechanism positioned within the drive mechanism cavity 144 as explainedbefore. The drive mechanism, in one preferred aspect of the presentinvention, is a pull-rod assembly that interconnects a cam follower anddrive linkage 254, which includes a return spring mechanism in the upperpart of the juice extractor 100, as shown in FIG. 27. A seal 154, asexplained before, is formed at the juncture of orifice beam and the beamopening forming the window, as shown in FIGS. 7 and 27, to preventproduct material from entering the drive mechanism cavity during juiceextractor operation. This seal preferably comprises a labyrinth seal andincludes a seal and seal strip member 154 a that is moveable within theseal. The seal could be a plastic seal and the seal strip members couldbe sheet metal pieces moveable within the seal. Other seals can be usedas suggested by those skilled in the art.

FIG. 27 also illustrates how at least one tapered spray nozzle, andpreferably a plurality of tapered spray nozzles, are mounted flush on awall surface, and preferably on the inner side panel at a fluid outletfor discharging fluid and cleaning product material during extractoroperation. It is possible to place a nozzle in the drive mechanismcavity also. Each tapered spray nozzle is mounted flush on a wallsurface. Fluid conduits 340 permit fluid flow to the nozzles, as shownin FIGS. 7 and 27. The configuration of a tapered spray nozzle of thepresent invention is explained below relative to FIGS. 46-54.

Referring now to FIGS. 28-45, details of a pressure-actuated spraynozzle 350 formed as a pop-up nozzle and positioned adjacent fixedextractor cups on the integrated cup bridge and juice manifold 134 areexplained. The pressure-actuated spray nozzle 350 includes a tubularhousing 352 and a nozzle body 354 received within the tubular housingand moveable between a retracted OFF position and an extended ON orspray position. A spring 356 is used for urging the nozzle body 354toward the retracted OFF position and is shown in detail in FIGS. 30 and32. The nozzle body includes a lower tubular member and upper spraydirecting member that are screwed together in one non-limiting example.

A flange 358 is connected to a lower end of the nozzle body to engageadjacent lower portions of the tubular housing 352 when in the extendedspray position. A mushroom head 360 is connected to an upper end of thenozzle body 354 to engage adjacent upper portions of the tubular housingwhen in the retracted OFF position. The nozzle body 354 also includes alower tubular member 362 and an upper spray directing member 364connected thereto. This lower tubular member 362 is rotatably capturedwithin the housing 352. The upper spray directing members 364 arerotatably settable with respect to the lower tubular member to permitadjustment of the spray direction. The tubular housing preferably isformed as an externally threaded tubular body and a flange 366 isconnected to an upper end. The angled interior and exterior surfaces 368a, 368 b prevent rotation, but allow axial movement and the “pop-up”function. The pressure-actuated spray nozzle 350 is typically screwedinto a fluid outlet 310, 314 and a threadlock composition or otherthread locking mechanism used to set the desired angle or position.

Referring now to FIGS. 46-54, details are illustrated of the taperedspray nozzle 370 that is mounted flush on a wall surface at a fluidoutlet, such as a fluid outlet 372 on the inner side panels (FIG. 27).Naturally, the tapered spray nozzle can be positioned at other locationsin the extractor. The tapered spray nozzle 370 is configured forpreventing build-up on the spray nozzle of any product material duringextractor operation. The term “tapered” as used for this nozzleencompasses many different configurations, including a spray nozzle thatis conical, semi-hemispherical, rounded, or other shapes as suggested bythose skilled in the art.

The tapered spray nozzle 370 includes a spray nozzle head 374 having atleast one fluid spray orifice 376 and a spray disc 378 inserted withinthe fluid spray orifice. The spray disc 378 has a fluid outlet opening380 configured for forming a predetermined fluid spray pattern of fluidused for cleaning. The opening 380 is preferably geometricallyconfigured and can be rhomboid, curved, elliptical, circular or othershapes as suggested by those skilled in the art. In one aspect of thepresent invention, the spray nozzle head 374 and spray disc 378 are eachrotatable for selecting a desired fluid spray direction. In anotheraspect of the present invention as shown in greater detail in FIG. 49,the spray nozzle head 374 includes at least two fluid spray orifices376. A nozzle fastening body 382 is secured on the wall surface at afluid outlet and receives the spray nozzle head 374. It includes a fluidchannel 384 formed in the nozzle fastening body 382 and communicateswith the fluid spray orifice 376 to the fluid outlet.

The tapered spray nozzle 370 of the present invention is typicallythreaded within a fluid outlet and a threadlock composition or otherthread locking mechanism used for tightening the spray nozzle relativeto a desired water spray direction. The spray disc is also rotated to adesired location. The nozzle fastening body is threaded on an exteriorsurface and receives a nozzle retaining ring 386 having internal threadsas shown in FIGS. 53 and 54 for retaining the nozzle head thereon whenthe nozzle retaining ring is secured.

This application is related to copending patent applications entitled,MULTI-LANE FRUIT GUIDE ASSEMBLY FOR A JUICE EXTRACTOR AND RELATEDMETHODS, attorney docket no. 11-12797 (56075); MULTI-LANE FRUIT GUIDEASSEMBLY HAVING INTEGRAL RIDGE ENDS FOR A JUICE EXTRACTOR AND RELATEDMETHODS, attorney docket no. 11-12858 (56076); JUICE EXTRACTOR WITHDRIVE AND RETURN CAMS FOR EXTRACTOR CUP MOVEMENT, attorney docket no.11-12792 (56074); JUICE EXTRACTOR WITH COUNTERWEIGHT OPERATIVELY ENGAGEDWITH CAMSHAFT, attorney docket no. 11-12794 (56073); JUICE EXTRACTORINCLUDING FRICTIONAL SHAFT-HUB COUPLINGS FOR DRIVE CAMS AND RELATEDMETHODS, attorney docket no. 11-12859 (56077); JUICE EXTRACTOR WITHINTEGRAL JUICE MANIFOLD AND CUP BRIDGE, attorney docket no. 11-12759(56072); JUICE EXTRACTOR WITH BOTTOM LOADING STRAINER TUBE, attorneydocket no. 11-12791 (56071); JUICE EXTRACTOR WITH JUICE MANIFOLD HAVINGSIDE OUTLET FOR JUICE, attorney docket no. 11-12860 (56078); JUICEEXTRACTOR WITH ORIFICE TUBE BEAM DRIVE EXTENDING INTO SIDE PANELS,attorney docket no. 11-12870 (56079); JUICE EXTRACTOR INCLUDINGPRESSURE-ACTUATED NOZZLE AND ASSOCIATED METHODS, attorney docket no.11-12861 (56080); JUICE EXTRACTOR WITH TAPERED CLEAN UP NOZZLE, attorneydocket no. 11-12862 (56081); JUICE EXTRACTOR DESIGN, attorney docket no.11-12863 (56082); and JUICE EXTRACTOR INCLUDING FRUIT FEEDER DECOUPLINGDETECTOR AND ASSOCIATED METHODS, attorney docket no. 11-12864 (56083)which are filed on the same date and by the same assignee and inventors,the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention will come tothe mind of one skilled in the art having the benefit of the teachingspresented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings.Therefore, it is understood that the invention is not to be limited tothe specific embodiments disclosed, and that modifications andembodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appendedclaims.

1. A fruit guide assembly to guide fruit from a fruit conveyor to amulti-position fruit feeder for a fruit juice extractor, the fruit guideassembly comprising: a frame to be positioned between the fruit conveyorand the multi-position fruit feeder; a vibrator connected to said frame;and a fruit guide body connected to said frame and having a series ofalternating ridges and valleys therein defining a plurality of fruitlanes, each pair of adjacent ridges extending outwardly beyond an end ofan intervening valley to define an opening to permit passagetherethrough of a corresponding portion of the multi-position feeder andto define integrally formed cantilevered ridge ends for supporting thefruit.
 2. A fruit guide assembly according to claim 1 wherein said fruitguide body comprises an upper wall and a bottom wall spaced therefromdefining a hollow fruit guide body.
 3. A fruit guide assembly accordingto claim 2 wherein said bottom wall has stiffening features therein. 4.A fruit guide assembly according to claim 1 wherein said fruit guidebody comprises a polymer.
 5. A fruit guide assembly according to claim 1wherein said fruit guide body comprises rotationally moldedpolyethylene.
 6. A fruit guide assembly according to claim 1 whereinsaid fruit guide body has a plurality of fastener receiving passagewaystherein at side and medial positions; and further comprising arespective fastener extending through each fastener receiving passagewayto fasten said fruit guide body to said frame at the side and medialpositions.
 7. A fruit guide assembly according to claim 1 wherein saidfruit guide body is removably fastened to said frame to be removabletherefrom in an upward direction.
 8. A fruit guide assembly according toclaim 1 wherein said vibrator is removably fastened to said frame to beremovable therefrom in an upward direction.
 9. A fruit guide assemblyaccording to claim 1 wherein said frame comprises a base plate having anopening in a medial portion thereof; and wherein said vibrator at leastpartially extends through the opening in said base plate.
 10. A fruitguide assembly according to claim 9 wherein said frame further comprisesa pair of mounting ears connected to opposite sides of said base plate;and further comprising a plurality of vibration dampeners and associatedfasteners connected to said pair of mounting ears.
 11. A fruit guideassembly according to claim 9 further comprising a mounting flangeconnected between said vibrator and said base plate.
 12. A fruit guideassembly to guide fruit from a fruit conveyor to a multi-position fruitfeeder for a fruit juice extractor, the fruit guide assembly comprising:a frame to be positioned between the fruit conveyor and themulti-position fruit feeder; a vibrator connected to said frame; and ahollow fruit guide body connected to said frame and comprising an upperwall and a bottom wall spaced therefrom, said hollow fruit guide havinga series of alternating ridges and valleys therein defining a pluralityof fruit lanes, each pair of adjacent ridges extending outwardly beyondan end of an intervening valley to define an opening to permit passagetherethrough of a corresponding portion of the multi-position feeder andto define integrally formed hollow cantilevered ridge ends forsupporting the fruit.
 13. A fruit guide assembly according to claim 12wherein said bottom wall has stiffening features therein.
 14. A fruitguide assembly according to claim 12 wherein said hollow fruit guidebody comprises a polymer.
 15. A fruit guide assembly according to claim12 wherein said hollow fruit guide body comprises rotationally moldedpolyethylene.
 16. A fruit guide assembly according to claim 12 whereinsaid hollow fruit guide body has a plurality of fastener receivingpassageways therein at side and medial positions; and further comprisinga respective fastener extending through each fastener receivingpassageway to fasten said hollow fruit guide body to said frame at theside and medial positions.
 17. A fruit guide assembly according to claim12 wherein said hollow fruit guide body is removably fastened to saidframe to be removable therefrom in an upward direction.
 18. A fruitguide assembly according to claim 12 wherein said vibrator is removablyfastened to said frame to be removable therefrom in an upward direction.19. A fruit guide assembly according to claim 12 wherein said framecomprises a base plate having an opening in a medial portion thereof;and wherein said vibrator at least partially extends through the openingin said base plate.
 20. A fruit guide assembly to guide fruit from afruit conveyor to a multi-position fruit feeder for a fruit juiceextractor, the fruit guide assembly comprising: a frame to be positionedbetween the fruit conveyor and the multi-position fruit feeder; and afruit guide body connected to said frame and having a series ofalternating ridges and valleys therein defining a plurality of fruitlanes, each pair of adjacent ridges extending outwardly beyond an end ofan intervening valley to define an opening to permit passagetherethrough of a corresponding portion of the multi-position feeder andto define integrally formed cantilevered ridge ends for supporting thefruit.
 21. A fruit guide assembly according to claim 20 wherein saidfruit guide body comprises an upper wall and a bottom wall spacedtherefrom defining a hollow fruit guide body.
 22. A fruit guide assemblyaccording to claim 21 wherein said bottom wall has stiffening featurestherein.
 23. A fruit guide assembly according to claim 20 wherein saidfruit guide body comprises a polymer.
 24. A fruit guide assemblyaccording to claim 20 wherein said fruit guide body comprisesrotationally molded polyethylene.
 25. A fruit guide assembly accordingto claim 20 wherein said fruit guide body has a plurality of fastenerreceiving passageways therein at side and medial positions; and furthercomprising a respective fastener extending through each fastenerreceiving passageway to fasten said fruit guide body to said frame atthe side and medial positions.
 26. A fruit guide assembly according toclaim 20 wherein said fruit guide body is removably fastened to saidframe to be removable therefrom in an upward direction.
 27. A method formaking a fruit guide body for a fruit guide assembly to guide fruit froma fruit conveyor to a multi-position fruit feeder for a fruit juiceextractor, the method comprising: forming the fruit guide body to have aseries of alternating ridges and valleys therein defining a plurality offruit lanes, each pair of adjacent ridges extending outwardly beyond anend of an intervening valley to define an opening to permit passagetherethrough of a corresponding portion of the multi-position feeder andto define integrally formed cantilevered ridge ends for supporting thefruit.
 28. A method according to claim 27 wherein forming the fruitguide body comprises forming the fruit guide body to comprise an upperwall and a bottom wall spaced therefrom defining a hollow fruit guidebody.
 29. A method according to claim 28 further comprising forming thebottom wall to have stiffening features therein.
 30. A method accordingto claim 28 wherein forming the fruit guide body comprises forming thefruit guide body by rotationally molding a polymer.
 31. A methodaccording to claim 30 wherein the polymer comprises polyethylene.
 32. Amethod according to claim 27 wherein forming the fruit guide bodycomprises forming the fruit guide body to have a plurality of fastenerreceiving passageways therein at side and medial positions.